10 freshmen to watch in college basketball this season

It looks like another season where freshmen just might dominate the landscape of college basketball. We really should not be surprised, as the perhaps unnecessary one-and-done rule gives some of the game's youngest stars a year of seasoning — whether they feel it's needed or not — before fulfilling their NBA dreams.

The national powers are again well stocked with rookie talent. Duke hauled in another stellar class, while North Carolina, Kansas, Indiana and — of course — Kentucky have stars of their own in the making. If anything, it should be fun once again watching all this talent converge — at least for one season.

Here's a look at 10 freshmen to keep an eye on for the 2018-19 college basketball season.

R.J. Barrett, Forward, Duke
Barrett is regarded not only as the best player in this freshmen class, but in the nation. That's a hefty label for the Canadian, but he certainly has the game to live up to the hype. The godson of NBA legend Steve Nash, Barrett is a 6-foot-7 wing player who appears to be the first offensive option for the Blue Devils, which lost their top five scorers from last season. Barrett is smooth and possesses the all-around skills that would likely make him a starter in the NBA right now.

Nassir Little, Forward, North Carolina
Little's collegiate career has yet to officially begin, but he's already making headlines for his alleged involvement within the big picture of the college basketball corruption case. While we'll see if any ramifications for Little come out of that, the immediate focus for the 6-foot-6 small forward is to keep the Tar Heels among the ranks of national championship contenders. At 220 pounds, Little should be able to bang with the best as well as make his way to the hoop without much trouble. He was the MVP of the annual McDonald's All-American Game.

Zion Williamson, Forward, Duke
Like Little, Williamson has alleged ties to college basketball's corruption case. He doesn't seem worried at the moment as the rim-shaking, film-at-11 dunks he's known for have already been on display at Duke. At 6-foot-7, 285, Williamson is a load but one who can knock down a jump shot or glide to the basket in traffic. Barrett and Williamson have been the Blue Devils' main offensive options in the exhibition season, and that should not change when the games count.

Cam Reddish, Forward, Duke
He may not have the star power of fellow Blue Devils rookies Barrett and Williamson, but Reddish is still among the most complete players in the overall freshman class of 2018-19. The 6-foot-8 Reddish plays more like a guard, but his versatility will provide a lot of options for coach Mike Krzyzewski. With his overall size and ability to defend both inside and on the perimeter, Reddish could end up being Duke's most reliable defensive player.

Romeo Langford, Guard, Indiana
The fact the New Albany product stayed in state to play for the Hoosiers is already a win for the storied program. Though he may only be in Bloomington for one season, expectations are high for both Langford and the Hoosiers, who have missed the NCAA Tournament the last two seasons. A pure scorer with stellar handles and play-making ability, Langford will team with returning scoring leader Juwan Morgan to potentially become one of the top offensive duos in the country.

Quentin Grimes, Guard, Kansas
The do-it-all guard is expected to make an impact early for Bill Self's group. An overall strong athlete, Grimes can thrive in the open court and Self apparently won't keep him from taking the open shot . The combo of Grimes and Memphis transfer Dedric Lawson is a big reason the Jayhawks will open the season as the No. 1 team in the country.

Tre Jones, Guard, Duke
Somebody has to run the show for the Blue Devils, and Jones seems more than capable of being that guy. The last of the four freshmen expected to start for Duke, Jones might end up being the most valuable. There will be plenty of talent on the receiving end of his passes, but Jones can create like no other point guard in the class. Plus, he watched older brother Tyus help Duke win the 2015 national championship.

Charles Bassey, Center, Western Kentucky
An intriguing talent, the 6-foot-11, 245-pound Bassey is from Nigeria but prepped in San Antonio and Louisville. A clear five-star recruit, Bassey is perhaps the best big man in the class after Williamson. However, a good chunk of the country won't get to see Bassey play while he's tucked away in Conference USA. With his overall size and skill, Bassey should not have any trouble dominating in the league and it will be fun to watch him in non-conference tilts against Washington, Arkansas and Wisconsin.

Keldon Johnson, Guard, Kentucky
The Wildcats have another solid freshman in 6-foot-10 EJ Montgomery, but Johnson has the all-around talent to be John Calipari's MVP this season. The Oak Hill product could be one of the best wing players in the nation — on both ends. His range is elite, while his defending around the perimeter might be even better. Johnson, Montgomery, Stanford graduate transfer Reid Travis and sophomore PJ Washington are all reasons Kentucky should be back in the national championship picture.

Jahvon Quinerly, Guard, Villanova
We'll see if Quinerly is the second coming of Jalen Brunson, but he certainly will be asked to guide the reigning national champs' offense out of the gate. Nicknamed "Jelly JQ ," Quinerly is a confident competitor known for his gifted skills handling the basketball and his popular presence on social media. The Wildcats' cupboard is hardly bare with Phil Booth and Eric Paschall back, and Quinerly's addition should still keep the repeat hope alive.